Traversing Breathtaking Balinsasayao

CEBU, Philippines - Picture two lakes so placid on the top of the mountain ranges approximately 1,046 meters above sea level. En route to the lakes are the lush greenery of huge trees, giant ferns and exotic plants. Clinging on barks and branches of trees are wild orchids and ferns. These are the Lakes Balinsasayao and Danao, popularly known as the Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao. No explanation though, how the lake got its name, but according to locals, a type of bird locally known as "balinsasayao" is abundant in the area.

Getting there was not that hard.

But since my trip to the place was a spur of the moment, it was a do-it-yourself itinerary and asking questions to the locals and reading some guide materials contributed the most in getting facts and figures, as well as about the Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao.

Lake Balinsasayao is a Natural Park that is home to 180 species of dipterocarp or hardwood trees and non-dipterocarp trees or non-hardwood trees, different species of flora and fauna and other species. The first lake is Lake Balinsasayao and the second is Lake Danao . The 8,016.50 hectares belonging to the Natural Park stand astride three municipalities namely Sibulan, Valencia and San Jose all in Negros Oriental province.

The lakes are deep crater freshwater lakes, separated by a narrow mountain ridge which is situated in a hollow between four mountains: Mount Mahungot to the south, Mount Kalbasan to the north, Mount Balinsasayao to the east and Mount Guidabon to the west. Lake Balinsasayao lies on the northwest of the ridge and Lake Danao on the southeast. Age-old trees, giant ferns and other exotic plants and orchids are among the natural inhabitants. The Almagica Tree, the tallest tree of the Philippines growing up to 60 meters tall, can still be found here too.

How to get to the Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao:

By public transport:

• From Dumaguete, take a tricycle and ask to be taken to the jeep or bus terminal going or passing through San Jose. There are multicabs, or "easyrides" that also ply the route.

• Tell the jeep/bus driver to drop you off the junction going to the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes. This is after you've passed Sibulan but before you reach the next town of San Jose.

• From that junction, it's a long uphill road. Hire a motorbike (habal-habal) to take you to the lakes. Make sure to arrange for your return.

By private transport:

• From Dumaguete, take the national highway going north. After around 14 kms, you'll see the big sign on the left "Twin Lakes". Take a left on this junction. You'll start gaining altitude. You'll be at the lake after 13.5 kms from that junction.

• There are Travel and Tour agencies in Dumaguete that offers travel packages which you can arrange, as well.